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Leo Varadkar

Leo Varadkar is an Irish politician and physician who served as Taoiseach, or prime minister, of Ireland from 2017 to 2020 and again from 2022 to 2024.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated September 11, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Leo Varadkar is an Irish politician and physician who served as Taoiseach, or prime minister, of Ireland from 2017 to 2020 and again from 2022 to 2024. A member of Fine Gael, he was Ireland’s youngest taoiseach and the country’s first openly gay head of government. He announced his resignation in March 2024 and left office in April 2024.

Early life and education

Leo Varadkar was born in Dublin in 1979 to an Irish mother and an Indian father. He studied medicine at Trinity College Dublin and qualified as a general practitioner before moving into politics.

Political career

Varadkar was elected to Dáil Éireann in 2007 for Dublin West and later held several cabinet posts, including transport, social protection, health, and enterprise. He became leader of Fine Gael in 2017.

Taoiseach

Varadkar served as Taoiseach from 2017 to 2020 and again from 2022 to 2024. His first term was notable for making him Ireland’s youngest taoiseach and the country’s first openly gay head of government.

Resignation and retirement

In March 2024, Varadkar announced that he would step down as Taoiseach and Fine Gael leader. He left office in April 2024 and later said he would not contest the next general election.

Key facts

  • Varadkar was first elected Taoiseach in June 2017 and returned to the office in December 2022.
  • He was the youngest person to become Taoiseach in Irish history when first appointed at age 38.
  • He was Ireland’s first openly gay head of government.
  • He is associated with Fine Gael and served in senior cabinet roles before becoming taoiseach.
  • He trained and qualified as a medical doctor before entering national politics.
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Canadian context

Varadkar’s career is relevant to Canadian readers as a contemporary example of a parliamentary leader in a Commonwealth democracy, and his Irish-Indian background may interest Canada’s multicultural audience.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Leo Varadkar?
Leo Varadkar is an Irish politician and physician who served twice as Taoiseach of Ireland and led Fine Gael.
When was Leo Varadkar born?
He was born on 18 January 1979 in Dublin, Ireland.
What is Leo Varadkar best known for?
He is best known for serving as Ireland’s Taoiseach twice and for being the country’s first openly gay head of government.
What party did Leo Varadkar lead?
He led Fine Gael from 2017 to 2024.
What was Leo Varadkar’s professional background before politics?
He trained as a medical doctor and worked as a general practitioner.
When did Leo Varadkar resign?
He announced his resignation in March 2024 and left office in April 2024.

References

  1. Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Leo-Varadkar
    Supports: Birth date and place, Fine Gael affiliation, Taoiseach terms, and resignation.
  2. Harvard Kennedy School — https://www.hks.harvard.edu/about/leo-varadkar
    Supports: Taoiseach terms, cabinet experience, medical training, and Trinity College Dublin education.
  3. BBC News — https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-40134140
    Supports: Youngest Taoiseach, first openly gay leader, and two terms as Taoiseach.
  4. RTÉ News — https://www.rte.ie/news/election-2020/2020/0210/1114307-leo-varadkar-profile/
    Supports: Birth in Dublin, family background, election to parliament, and early political career.
  5. The New York Times — https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/20/world/europe/who-is-leo-varadkar.html
    Supports: March 2024 resignation announcement, background, and significance as first openly gay leader.